Wolverines host Torrington for Homecoming

Oct 10, 2013 - By Craig Blumenshine, Staff Writer

Kickoff is a half-hour early -- 6:30 p.m. -- Friday at Wolverine Field.

In what is shaping up to be one of the more competitive Class 3-A East conference games this season, the Riverton Wolverines (3-2, 2-0 Class 3-A East) host the Torrington Trailblazers (2-3, 1-1 Class 3-A East) Friday at Wolverine Field in Riverton's Homecoming game

Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. There is no admission charge.

"This is the best team that we've had in the three years that I've been here. A lot of our kids have been playing since they were sophomores. and we've been able to stay healthy. Plus, our kids are extremely smart," Torrington head coach Mark Lenhardt said.

Despite Riverton having a better record that Torrington, the Trailblazers rank above the Wolverines in most offensive and defensive categories and will bring the third-best passing team in Class 3-A to Wolverine Field.

"We try to stay balanced," Lenhardt said.

Returning to the Trailblazer lineup is quarterback Caden Coffelt , who completes 54 percent of his passes and has thrown for more touchdowns (five) than interceptions (four). Coffelt sat out last week's game against Rawlins as a precaution, according to Lenhardt.

As important is Coffelt's return is for Torrington, Casey Savage has recovered from his injury and returns for Riverton to start again at his normal right guard position on the offensive line and at linebacker on defense. Savage should make the Wolverines stronger on both sides of the ball.

"This has been a good week. Unlike other places I've been, Homecoming hasn't been a distraction," RHS head coach Pat Patterson said.

Patterson expects the Trailblazers will try to spread out the Wolverines and then run the ball.

"They have a good-sized offensive line. They are better than Rawlins and Buffalo. Torrington is easily the best of the three teams we will have faced thus far in our conference," Patterson said.

Patterson believes Torrington's strength is the defensive line.

"You have to work on blocking their front, and they keep you off their linebackers," Patterson said.